Modular Void Forming Members for Erosion-Resistant Floating Foundations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 'waffle grid' floating foundations are inadequate in strength and prone to cracking due to voids or hollows, and are not suitable for areas with erosion, as they are built at ground level and do not effectively manage soil moisture variations.
Innovation Solution
A casting kit comprising void forming members with securing means to create a structured void formation, incorporating tensile elements and settable material to form supporting ribs, and a method involving excavation, shuttering, and casting to create a reinforced foundation with void forming members, spacers, and clamps for securing shuttering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If voids or hollows are created within the foundation to form a waffle grid, then the foundation can be constructed at ground level, but the structural strength is reduced due to the voids
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation is divided into modular void forming members that can be assembled together to create the waffle grid pattern. These segmented units provide both the void structure for ease of construction and the reinforcing elements for structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation combines void forming members with reinforcing steel bars and settable material to create a composite structure. This composite approach maintains the ease of construction benefit while compensating for the strength reduction from voids through the reinforcing elements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the foundation is built on top of ground level, then construction is simplified, but it becomes unsuitable for areas where erosion occurs as soil is eroded underneath
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation transitions from a surface-level construction to a subterranean structure by embedding void forming members and reinforcing elements within excavated trenches. This dimensional change allows the foundation to be protected from erosion while maintaining construction feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The foundation components are positioned and secured within trenches before the final concrete pouring. This preliminary action ensures proper placement and stabilization, allowing the foundation to resist erosion while maintaining ease of construction through the modular assembly process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the effective volume of soil under the foundation varies with moisture content variation, then the foundation can adapt to soil conditions, but the foundation is prone to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation incorporates reinforcing steel bars and settable material at specific locations within the void forming members to provide localized strength enhancement. This local quality approach allows the foundation to adapt to soil moisture variations while preventing cracking through targeted reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of void forming members, reinforcing steel bars, and settable material creates a composite foundation structure that adapts to soil condition variations. The reinforcing elements compensate for the flexibility needed to handle moisture content changes, preventing cracking while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A casting kit for constructing a foundation which includes a plurality of void forming members, each of which has securing means on its sides to secure to a matched void forming member thereby to define a minor void forming formation and at least one side of each void forming member having a step formation such that a groove is formed between the step formation of adjacent void forming members in a minor void forming formation for receiving tensile elements in the groove.